While a week with the in-laws might not be the luxury escape you’ve always dreamed of, you need to trust us on this one! From strengthening family bonds and making magical memories to the more practical advantages of sharing costs and childcare duties, travelling with three or even four generations has huge benefits for all involved. Your kids get to enjoy new perspectives as well as new places, picking up snippets of family history whilst being thoroughly spoiled as only grandparents can. 

Grandparents are often endlessly patient and thrilled to be there for those special moments, from swimming a width unaided for the first time to spotting a loggerhead turtle or dolphins in the bay. And in return for having all the logistics sorted out for them, granny and grandpa might be inclined to babysit for a night or two if needed, providing priceless extra comfort for younger ones in an unfamiliar new environment.

As parents and grandparents ourselves, we’ve enjoyed lots of family holidays over the years and learned a few things along the way. Read on for our helpful check list for how to do multi-generation villa holidays that everyone will enjoy...

Location, location, location

What’s the perfect multi-generation destination? First up, consider the journey. If there’s a ferry on top of the flight to your Greek island, then you might want to consider Crete or one of the larger Ionians instead. Self-driving to France is also a more relaxed way to travel as you can stop wherever and whenever you need to. Long drive to the resort? We can often arrange minivan hire if only one person wants to drive, or consider a private taxi transfer for some of your party. Pick a villa that’s walking distance to the local cafes, shops and beach and you’ll instantly elevate the whole experience to best-holiday-ever-status, as everyone can simply come and go as they please.

You’ll find villas in Mallorca, Greece, Turkey and France that fit this criteria really well; for watersports, beach clubs and teen-friendly low-key nightlife, we recommend Kalkan, Hossegor and north east Corfu, whilst for younger kids and foodie adults, Pollensa and the Île de Ré are great choices.

Le Bois-Plage, Île de Ré

Indigo Beach Club, Kalkan

Kassiopi, Corfu,

Pollensa, Mallorca

Think big

No matter how close you are as a family, the more space you have, the more harmonious that multi-generation holiday is going to be. Bigger villas tend to be better value per head than smaller ones, and if you choose one with a separate guest cottage or annexe, then there’s another level of privacy available for those that need it. Kalkan in particular is very competitively priced, offering well-above-average space and luxury. Alternatively think about a villa cluster, where you can all be together but have even more space and independence if needed.

A big garden is also a bonus. Mallorca and France are two of best destinations for large gardens, and you’ll often find table tennis as well as our own pack of outdoor games provided at selected villas. Got older kids? Look out for villas with a pool table, gym or home cinema and then sit back and polish your parental halo.

The devil’s in the detail

The secret to a successful holiday with grandparents and children lies in asking the right questions. Our UK staff regularly visit our villas, so they’ll be happy to help with the all-important precise details that can really impact older guests, like how many steps are there to the front door or the pool? Is there a walk-in shower? Is the pool access ladder or Roman steps? And what about a kettle for those who’d rather have tea than espresso? We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, and a little prep work at the booking stage means a more relaxing time for everyone on holiday.

Consider the catering

Talking of food, you’re going to get through a fair bit of it on a multi-generation holiday. Make it easier with our pre-arrival grocery shopping service, or put your feet up and let one of our private chefs cater for you – available by the night or the week, with menus that can flex to suit a mixed group. If you love to cook, choose a villa with an outdoor kitchen; whatever’s on the menu, it’s a great way to get the kids involved as everything is just much more fun in the sun. For eating out, restaurant bookings are usually essential for larger groups, but don’t worry, our local concierge will be happy to make your reservations for you.

Take your time

In the high excitement of being on holiday with the grandparents it might be tempting to pack out a full itinerary, but our experience suggests you aim for half the activities and allow twice the time. Downtime doesn’t have to mean screentime if you don’t want it to – think Uno by the pool (or Poker if they’re older!), gentle strolls to the local café or ice-cream shop or a scenic sunset drive that’s easy on elderly legs while delivering the required Insta moment. The twice-the-time approach also applies at the airport, and don’t forget to ask for special assistance well in advance if you need it.

Be prepared

No one wants to think about getting ill on holiday, but when you’re travelling with grandparents and children it’s extra important to make sure your travel insurance is up to date. We’d also suggest a gentle reminder for your older relatives to pack any medications they regularly take, including over-the-counter products that might not be so easily available at your destination. It’s comforting to know that our staff are there if you should ever need them – calm and collected is what they do best!

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